Mallorca is always worth a trip. Ten travel agents who recently flew to the Balearic island thought so too. In addition to the organisers from Maesse Marketing Solutions and Faktor 3, PAS also accompanied the Famtrip as a co-sponsor. We spoke with our Charter Sales Manager Susanne Lautenschläger about the best stops on the trip.
Mallorca, the largest island of the Balearic Islands, is known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and sunny climate. Recently, Susanne Lautenschläger from PAS had the pleasure of traversing the island with other explorers and discovering some hidden event locations.Â
Mallorca has many beautiful traditional hotels that present a privileged location and luxurious facilities. One of these is the five-star Hotel Nixe Palace (www.hotelmallorcanixepalace.com/de/). The hotel is located only 18 kilometres from Palma airport. “The location directly above the bay of Cala Millor is fantastic – on each of the eight floors there are terraces overlooking the azure bay,” Susanne enthuses. “It was also particularly nice to learn about the long history of one of Mallorca’s oldest hotel complexes,” she continues. The Nixe Palace dates back to the 1950s and counts some famous personalities on its guest list. Over the years, the hotel has been modernised so that guests always find elegant, cosy and generously equipped rooms. The hotel also offers events on the beach – in an exclusive and private atmosphere.
Palma: A city full of charm and history
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is only a short taxi ride away from the hotel. The city has much to offer: from the imposing La Seu Cathedral to the historic Almudaina Royal Palace and the narrow streets of the old town. The group took a guided tour of the city to learn more about its history and culture.Â
Palma is also known for its culinary delights. For example, the Gastroteca (http://gastrotecamauricio.com) in Palma’s market. “Unexpectedly, a little oasis opens up above the market – wonderfully furnished and very cosy – while it’s hectic downstairs,” Susanne tells us. The Gastroteca cooks live for its guests: fresh food in Mallorcan tradition.
After Palma, we went via “hidden paths” – the motto of the Famtrip – to various farms and fincas that groups in particular can book and visit for an event.
Finca Son Berga: Country estate for festive occasions
For example, the Finca Son Berga. The estate is located on the edge of the Sierra Tramuntana and stretches over 132 hectares, the majority of which is still used for agriculture. The historic stables and rooms have been completely renovated, creating a unique ambience for events. Weddings often take place on the finca. Various areas are available for the ceremony, aperitifs, dinner and dancing. More information can be found at sonberga.com/en.Â
La Morneta: Historical ambience with large gardenÂ
The nature reserve La Morneta was also worth a trip. The area is known for its spectacular scenery and offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views. In this nature reserve lies a finca of the same name with a huge garden, three indoor rooms and an attached marquee for up to 250 people. Additional details can be found at morneta.es.
Finca Alaiar: A wine and olive farm with Mediterranean flair
Finca Alaiar is located in the centre of the island near Sencelles, and hosts events such as weddings, corporate events or wine tastings. The family business makes many things possible so that guests feel at home. In the main house “Can Castell” there is a pretty courtyard with old stables, a stone oven, a hall on the ground floor and a wine cellar with a Romanesque vault. The “Planta Noble”, the more elegant part of the finca, is accessed via a garden with old fruit trees. Right next to it is “Can Ribes”, a farmhouse with a green area and a pool. Behind it stretches the grounds: 34 hectares of land, with over a thousand almond trees, carob trees and a panoramic view of the Tramuntana mountains. For more information, please visit alaiar.com.
Finca Son Mesquida Nou: A historic farm with a charming ambience
Finca Son Mesquida Nou is located near Algaida, in the heart of Mallorca, about 20 kilometres from the island’s capital Palma. The agricultural estate with an area of more than 500,000 square metres is surrounded by grain fields and is prepared for larger events of all kinds. You can find more insights here: sonmesquidanou.com.
Bodegas Ribas: Winery in the tenth generation
Another highlight was the visit to Bodegas Ribas. The family winery was founded in 1711. Pedro Ribas de Cabrera built the winery at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana, where the family still produces wines three centuries later. In 2004, the business was handed over to the tenth generation and opened to visitors for the first time. Bodegas Ribas offers guided tours and tastings. The group took part in a private wine tasting here. “We were guided through the tasting by Paul Sonderhoff, the wine man, in an informative and charming way – just great,” said Susanne. More information can be found at bodegaribas.com/en/inicio-german.
Susanne will also remember the buggy excursion on the island for a long time. Across the green countryside, past old and new fincas and a stop on the Puig de Randa with an ice cream in the Lluc monastery. “From up here you have a great view over the whole island,” she says.
